The AFC North division got off to a hot start with three of the four clubs securing victory as they get ready for week two.
The AFC North division got off to a hot start to their 2022 seasons with a good majority of their teams winning. Week one only saw the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers play each other in a divisional battle as the other two clubs played outside the division. It was a tough fight for each team as they pushed towards a conclusion in their first week of action.
The Bengals were the only squad that calls the north home that was unable to secure victory this past weekend. They will hope to bounce back as the rest of their foes will shoot to keep on their successful run for another week further. It was a good week of football that saw many fans excited to just have something to watch again on Sundays.
Cincinnati Bengals have the lone loss in the AFC North
Cincinnati had the lone loss of the four teams in their divisional home. The AFC North looks to be shaping up to be one of the deeper groups in the NFL. The Bengals were shocked by the Steelers in their home opener, which many had the cats winning with ease. That did not happen, and the road team won with their never say die attitude. Turnovers and the rustiness that the orange and blacks’ offense displayed proved to be too costly when it was all said and done.
Bengals (0-1) vs Dallas Cowboys (0-1), Sunday at 4:25 P.M. EST
Even though this club has shown some warts of their own in week one, this is a great bounce-back opportunity for them. The Dallas Cowboys looked dreadful on Sunday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Couple those issues with Dak Prescott going to be out with an injury, and this could be a blow out win for the Bengals. They have issues, but they are a far better team in this one and should get back to an even record.
Cleveland Browns continue their easy start to 2022
The Cleveland Browns were able to win the Baker Mayfield revenge game in the waning seconds of the contest. Mayfield gave them his best shot and was almost able to pull off the victory, but a last second field goal from a far distance put the Browns over the edge. Deshaun Watson is still out with a suspension, but lucky for Cleveland, their schedule is not very hard to start the year. It was a gutsy performance in week one and things will not be getting any tougher this weekend.
New York Jets (0-1) vs Cleveland Browns (1-0), Sunday at 1:00 P.M. EST
The Browns head back home this week and will host the New York Jets. It’s back-to-back AFC North opponents for the Jets as they just played the Baltimore Ravens last week. This is an easier opponent for them to hopefully upset, but it is unlikely. Cleveland will be the favorites in this one and they should emerge with a win before their record starts to falter against tougher opponents.
Baltimore Ravens could have a tougher challenge in week two
The Ravens broke out onto their campaign with an easy win over the lesser Jets. They were able to show explosiveness on offense and it looks like Lamar Jackson might have another big year that could rival his MVP season. This club does have its own weaknesses, but they should be able to overcome those and start their year strong. This week will be a bigger test for them as week one seemed like an unfair scrimmage.
Miami Dolphins (1-0) vs Baltimore Ravens (1-0), Sunday at 1:00 P.M. EST
The Dolphins will hit the road this week with the hope of trying to upset the Ravens on their home field. A win here would mean more for the Dolphins than Ravens as many still seem skeptical about Miami right now. Some believe that these two rosters could make it to the playoff tournament, and this week could prove that even though it is only week two. Baltimore should win this game if they can establish the run and keep away from turning the ball over.
Steelers sit on top of the AFC North division heading into week two
The Steelers currently sit on top of the AFC North division after one week of play. There is still a long way to go, and injuries piled up quickly against the Bengals. It was a hard-fought win on the road in a game that barely anyone had them winning. There is a lot of work to be done for Pittsburgh to show in week two and they will need to show that against their opponent this week.
New England Patriots (0-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0), Sunday at 1:00 P.M. EST
The New England Patriots roll into the Steel City after having a tough display in week one versus the Miami Dolphins. Mac Jones looks like he will probably play after a back injury in their first game knocked him out. He performed poorly and that should enable the Steelers defense to create plays for the offense to work off. Another week should give this offense some improvement, which will give them a better chance at winning this game.
The Steelers were able to secure victory and win the three-way tie for the division lead. The AFC North seems primed to be a tough division that could come down to the wire.